Indulge in a culinary adventure on the serene waters of Chicago’s iconic river. This gourmet cruise offers a delightful dining experience, from mouthwatering brunch to decadent dinner options, crafted by celebrity chefs. As you savor each flavorful course, a knowledgeable narrator enlightens you on the city’s remarkable architectural landmarks. Complemented by live music and the option to witness Navy Pier’s dazzling fireworks display during summer months, this relaxing food cruise promises to engage all your senses. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely afternoon or a romantic evening, this unique experience will leave you eager to explore more of what Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene has to offer.
Key Points
• Enjoy a gourmet brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise on the Chicago River, featuring celebrity-chef inspired meals and panoramic views of the city’s iconic architecture.
• Indulge in a 3-course meal with a choice of starter, main course, and dessert, complemented by an onboard DJ and architectural narration.
• Marvel at the dazzling Navy Pier fireworks displays during summer months, with a front-row seat to the spectacular pyrotechnic show.
• Adhere to the dressy-casual dress code to maintain a refined and sophisticated ambiance during the river cruise experience.
• Celebrate special occasions with family-friendly brunch, lunch, or dinner cruises, with infants traveling for free with a complimentary ticket.
Cruise Details
The Chicago River Cruise offers a leisurely 2-hour experience within a glass-enclosed dining area, providing guests with panoramic views of the city’s iconic riverfront architecture.
Along the way, a knowledgeable narrator shares insights about the architectural highlights that line the river’s edge. Diners can savor a celebrity-chef inspired meal, freshly prepared on board, as they take in the sights.
The cruise also features an onboard DJ for dinner cruises, adding to the lively ambiance. Plus, guests can enjoy the Navy Pier fireworks on Wednesday and Saturday evenings during the summer months, making for a truly unforgettable experience on the water.
Meal Options
Guests aboard the Chicago River Cruise can choose from a variety of mouthwatering meal options, including dinner, brunch, and lunch menus.
The dinner menu offers a choice of starter, main course, and dessert, allowing diners to savor a celebrity-chef inspired meal freshly prepared onboard.
The brunch menu follows a similar format, with delectable options for each course.
For lunch, guests can enjoy a starter, choose from an array of main dishes, and cap off the meal with a tempting dessert.
Regardless of the time of day, passengers can look forward to a delightful culinary experience as they take in the stunning views of Chicago’s riverfront architecture during the 2-hour cruise.
Inclusions
A host of inclusions await passengers aboard the Chicago River Cruise, from a delectable 3-course meal to unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
An onboard DJ adds to the lively ambiance of the dinner cruises, while architectural narration enlightens guests during the lunch and brunch outings.
Plus, visitors can marvel at the dazzling Navy Pier fireworks displays on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer months, all part of the cruise experience.
The service fee is also included, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey along the iconic Chicago River.
Whether guests opt for a gourmet brunch, lunch, or dinner, they’ll savor the cuisine and enjoy the city’s architectural wonders during this unforgettable river cruise.
Dress Code
Dressy-casual attire is required for the Chicago River Cruise, as jeans, sandals, flip-flops, luggage, large bags, and sports shoes are strictly prohibited. The dress code aims to create a refined and sophisticated ambiance onboard. Passengers should opt for smart, comfortable clothing that aligns with the elegant setting of the cruise. To help visualize the appropriate attire, consider the following guidelines:
| Acceptable | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Button-down shirts | Jeans |
| Dresses/skirts | Sandals |
| Slacks | Flip-flops |
| Collared polos | Luggage/large bags |
| Dress shoes | Sports shoes |
Infants and Tickets
Infants travel for free on the Chicago River Cruise, but a free infant ticket must be selected when booking the reservation.
Passengers with infants are required to provide a valid passport or ID card for their child, ensuring compliance with necessary documentation requirements. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests, including the youngest voyagers.
Parents can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Chicago River without worrying about additional costs for their little ones.
Whether it’s a celebratory brunch, a leisurely lunch, or a romantic dinner cruise, the Chicago River Cruise offers a family-friendly experience that caters to travelers of all ages.
Architectural Highlights
Along the scenic Chicago River, cruisers can admire the city’s renowned architectural marvels, from the iconic skyscrapers to the historic bridges that span the waterway.
As the cruise glides along the river, guests are treated to a narrated tour highlighting the impressive designs and historic significance of the buildings that line the banks.
From the neo-Gothic style of the Tribune Tower to the art deco elegance of the Carbide and Carbon Building, the architectural heritage of Chicago is on full display.
Whether it’s marveling at the soaring heights of modern high-rises or the intricate details of century-old structures, the Chicago River cruise offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the city’s architectural wonders.
Navy Pier Fireworks
The Chicago River cruise offers a special treat for guests on Wednesday and Saturday evenings during the summer – the opportunity to witness the dazzling Navy Pier fireworks display.
As the boat glides along the river, passengers are treated to a front-row seat to this spectacular show. The vibrant explosions of color burst across the sky, reflecting off the calm waters of the river.
The fireworks display is a beloved tradition in Chicago, drawing crowds to the riverfront to enjoy the enchanting show. Cruisers can sit back, relax, and marvel at the pyrotechnic spectacle, creating lasting memories of their gourmet river cruise experience.
This unique opportunity adds an extra layer of excitement and wonder to an already exceptional dining adventure.
Relaxing Food Cruise
A leisurely cruise along the Chicago River offers guests a delightful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing them to savor a gourmet meal and soak in the captivating river views.
Diners can indulge in a carefully curated menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients and innovative culinary creations, all while enjoying the serene ambiance of the glass-enclosed dining area and the ever-changing riverfront scenery.
Whether it’s a brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise, the experience is designed to be a truly relaxing and enjoyable one. The attentive crew ensures that every aspect of the meal and the cruise itself is tailored to your’ needs, making for an unforgettable dining adventure along the iconic Chicago River.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Do the Cruises Typically Depart and Return?
The cruises typically depart in the late morning or early afternoon and return 2 hours later. The specific departure and return times may vary depending on the cruise option selected, such as brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on Board?
No, guests are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on board. The cruise offers catered meals and a full bar, so bringing outside items is prohibited. This ensures all guests can fully enjoy the onboard dining experience.
Is There a Bar or Alcohol Service Available on the Cruise?
Yes, there is a bar and alcohol service available on the cruise. Guests can purchase cocktails, wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages to enjoy while taking in the scenic views along the river.
How Accessible Is the Cruise for Guests With Disabilities?
The cruise offers accessible accommodations for guests with disabilities. It features a glass-enclosed dining area and staff is available to assist passengers as needed. However, some areas may have limited accessibility due to the nature of the cruise.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance or Can I Purchase Tickets on the Day?
It’s recommended to make reservations in advance for this type of experience, as tickets may sell out, especially during peak seasons. While last-minute purchases may be possible, booking ahead ensures availability and a seamless experience.
Recap
Indulge in a gourmet river cruise through the heart of Chicago, where you’ll savor celebrity-chef inspired meals and take in stunning panoramic views of the city’s iconic architecture.
The lively ambiance, enhanced by an onboard DJ, creates a memorable dining experience.
Cap off the evening with a dazzling display of Navy Pier fireworks during the summer months, reflecting off the calm waters of the river for a truly relaxing food cruise.
